Racial Disparities in Maternal Mortality Rates and Prenatal Care in
Brazil: A Retrospective Study
Abstract
Objective: To investigate racial disparities in maternal
mortality rates and prenatal care in Brazil from 1996 to 2022, focusing
on differences between white and non-white women, and to assess the
impact of systemic racism and healthcare inequities on these
disparities. Design: Retrospective cohort study analysing
maternal mortality rates, adjusted lethality percentages, and prenatal
care consultations over a 27-year period. Setting: Brazil,
using national public health records (DATASUS). Population:
Women aged 15 to 44, with data categorized by racial groups—white and
non-white. Methods: Maternal mortality rates per 100,000 live
births and adjusted lethality percentages were calculated and examined
using trend analysis. The Mann-Kendall test was used to assess the
statistical significance of trends over time. Prenatal care adequacy was
evaluated based on adherence to recommended protocols. Main
Outcome Measures: Maternal mortality rates, adjusted lethality
percentages, and the adequacy of prenatal care, segmented by race.
Results: Non-white women consistently experienced higher
maternal mortality rates, ranging from 0.57 to 1.10. Maternal mortality
among white women declined significantly (p = 0.007), while the decline
for non-white women was not significant (p = 0.526). Adjusted lethality
rates decreased overall, but non-white women had persistently higher
rates. Prenatal care improved over time, yet white women received more
adequate care than non-white women. Conclusions: The study
underscores enduring racial disparities in maternal mortality and
prenatal care in Brazil, reflecting systemic inequities and structural
racism. Despite overall improvements in maternal health indicators,
significant disparities persist, particularly affecting non-white women.
Funding: None.